It is four years to the day since the takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment fund, the Reuben family and Amanda Staveley was confirmed

Thousands of fans descended on to St James' Park to celebrate and 'cans' was the word of the moment as the Toon Army drank in the exciting possibilities of what their new future would look like.

It was a takeover which brought some uncomfortable questions, too, given Saudi Arabia's human rights record, and the Premier League had to be satisfied they weren't to be governed by a nation state.

But after years of stasis under Mike Ashley, the club has transformed from also-rans into genuine contenders on the pitch and have made great strides off the pitch to become more competitive - both domestically and in Europe.

OPINION

Under the management of Eddie Howe, who was appointed manager with...